Vial with Improved Visibility for Level

ABSTRACT

A level including level vial(s) having enhanced visibility are provided. The level may include a level vial including a material that is attracted to the interface or border of a globule within the level vial which improves visibility of the interface. The level may include a solid level indicator having easy to see end surfaces that are generally vertically oriented when in the level position. The end surfaces of the solid level indicator may allow the user to more easily compare the position of the solid level indicator to indicating lines formed on the level vial. The level may include a level vial including a first liquid and an immiscible second liquid forming a globule with the first material. The globule formed from the second material may improve visibility compared to a typical air bubble.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/US2017/017008 filed Feb. 8, 2017, which claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/295,896, filed on Feb.16, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/316,272, filed on Mar.31, 2016, which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to vials for levels, and more particularlyto vials with improved visibility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one construction, a vial includes a first fluid and a second fluidthat acts as an indicator bubble. The first fluid and the second fluidbeing immiscible. The indicator bubble further includes a third materialthat is attracted to the exterior of the second fluid, therebyaccentuating the edges of the indicator bubble to improve visibility ofthe indicator bubble.

In another construction, a flat vial includes a T-shaped cavity formingthe vial interior to provide improved visibility of an indicator bubblewhen viewed from the top side and the vertical sides.

In yet another construction, an annular vial includes an annular cavitywith a variable cross-sectional area. The annular recess having a firstportion with a first cross-sectional area and a second portion with asecond cross-sectional area.

In still another construction, a vial includes a body that defines aninterior cavity. The vial further includes a plurality of obstructionswithin the cavity that define a plurality of narrow passages. The narrowchannels connect a first portion and a second portion of the cavity. Thecavity contains a first fluid and a second fluid that is immiscible withthe first fluid. The narrow channels cause increased displacement of thefirst fluid and second fluid as the vial is tilted, and thus provideincreased visibility and accuracy of the vial.

In still yet another construction, a level including a vial assemblyhaving a vial surround and a vial. The vial having a longitudinal axisand containing an indicator bubble suspended in a liquid. The vialsurround having a base for supporting the vial. The base having alight-colored middle portion positioned between a pair of dark-coloredouter portions, each of which extend transverse to the longitudinalaxis. The indicator bubble reflects light from the dark-colored portionssuch that a perimeter of the indicator bubble is darkened so as toimprove visibility of the indicator bubble within the liquid. Theperimeter contrasts with the light-colored middle portion to furtherimprove visibility of the indicator bubble.

In another embodiment, a level includes a level body defining a planarbase surface configured to engage a workpiece. The level includes a vialsupported by the level body and including an inner surface defining acavity. The level includes a first material located within the cavity ofthe vial, and the first material is a liquid material. The levelincludes a second material located within the cavity of the vial, andthe second material forms an indicator within the first material suchthat an interface is defined between the first and second materials. Thelevel includes a third material located within the cavity of the vial.The third material has a property that attracts the third material tothe interface between the first material and the second material.

In another embodiment, a level includes a level body defining areference surface configured to engage a workpiece. The level includes avial supported by the level body and including an inner surface defininga cavity. The level includes a solid indicator located within thecavity. The solid indicator includes a first surface located at a firstend of the solid indicator and a second surface located at a second endof the solid indicator opposite the first surface. The solid indicatormoves within the vial in response to changing angular positions of thelevel body, and the solid indicator is shaped such that the firstsurface and the second surface are oriented in a direction perpendicularto the reference surface is oriented in a horizontal direction.

In another embodiment, a level includes level includes a level bodydefining a reference surface configured to engage a workpiece. The levelincludes a vial supported by the level body and including an innersurface defining a cavity. The level includes a first liquid materiallocated within the cavity of the vial. The level includes a secondliquid material located within the cavity of the vial. The secondmaterial immiscible in the first material such that an indicating bubbleis formed by the second material within the first material.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent byconsideration of the following detailed description and accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a vial having a bubble with improvedvisibility.

FIG. 2 is a top planar view illustrating a flat vial.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flat vial of FIG. 2 taken alongline 3-3.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the flat vial of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating an annular vial.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the annular vial of FIG. 5 in afirst position.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the annular vial of FIG. 5 in asecond position.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a vial in a horizontalposition.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the vial of FIG. 8, illustratedin a tilted position relative to the horizontal position of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a vial including a solid indicator.

FIG. 11 is cross-sectional perspective view of the vial of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a level.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of a portion ofa level.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a vial assembly of thelevel of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an inner vial surround of the vialassembly of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an outer vial surround of the vialassembly of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the level of FIG.13.

FIG. 18 is an end view of an inner vial surround and a vial.

FIG. 19 illustrates a top perspective view of a vial.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of a level.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-11 illustrate various vials having various constructions toincrease visibility, accuracy and readability. FIG. 12 illustrates alevel 10 including a level body 12 supporting a first vial, shown aslevel vial 14, and a second vial, shown as plumb vial 18. The vials ofFIGS. 1-11 may be configured with the level 10 in place of the levelvial 14, the plumb vial 18, or both. The vials of FIGS. 1-11 may beconfigured with the level 10 and corresponding base surface(s), shown asreference surfaces 22, of the level 10, such that the vials are orientedto determine if a surface is plumb (i.e., vertical), level (i.e.,horizontal), or oriented at any other desired reference angle. The vialsof FIGS. 1-11 may be formed from glass, a clear polymer (e.g., acrylic),or another suitable material. Alternatively, the vials may be configuredwith any other suitable tool, device, or structure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a vial 100 including an inner surface 102 thatdefines an interior cavity 106 that holds a first material, shown asfirst fluid 104 (e.g., alcohol, mineral spirit, etc.), and a secondmaterial, shown as a second fluid 108 (e.g., gas, air, liquid, etc.).The second fluid 108 is suspended in the first fluid 104 forming anindicator, shown as globule or bubble 112, to act as an inclinationindicator. In various embodiments, where second fluid 108 is a gas orair, bubble 112 is a bubble containing the gas or air of second fluid108 separated from first fluid 104. In other embodiments, the secondfluid 108 is a liquid material, and the first fluid 104 and the secondfluid 108 are immiscible relative to each other such that bubble 112 isa bubble containing the liquid of second fluid 108 separated from firstfluid 104.

As shown in FIG. 1, the separation of first fluid 104 from second fluid108 defines an interface 114 between the two different materials offluids 104 and 108. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, to enhancevisibility of bubble 112, vial 100 includes a third material 116 thathas a property that attracts third material 116 to interface 114. Aswill be explained in more detail below, the property of third material116 is one that differentially attracts third material 116 to interface114 such that third material 116 tends to be located at interface 114(or returns to interface 114 following disruption) rather than beingdispersed within fluids 104 and 108.

In one embodiment, third material 116 is attracted to an exteriorsurface of the second fluid 108. In one embodiment, third material 116is another fluid immiscible with the first and second fluids 104, 108.In another embodiment, third material 116 is a particulate material, andin other embodiments, third material 116 is any other suitable materialthat is attracted to the interface 114 (e.g., attracted to the secondfluid 108 and not the first fluid 104, or alternatively repelled by thefirst fluid 104). The third material 116 may partially or entirelysurround the bubble 112, and may have various thicknesses. As will beexplained in more detail below, Applicant believes that use of thirdmaterial 116 within vial 100 tends to enhance the visibility ofinterface 114 such that the location and position of bubble 112 iseasier for a user to see when using a level incorporating vial 100.

In one exemplary embodiment, the differential property of the thirdmaterial 116 that attracts it to interface 114 is density, and in thisembodiment, the density of the third material 116 is less than thedensity of fluid 104 but is greater than the density of fluid 108. Inthis embodiment, the third material 116 tends to reach positionalequilibrium at interface 114 between fluids 104 and 108. In one suchembodiment, fluid 108 is an air or gas, and third material 116 floats onfluid 104 at interface 114.

In one exemplary embodiment, the differential property of the thirdmaterial 116 that attracts it to interface 114 is polarity, and in thisembodiment, the polarity of third material 116 is different from thepolarity of fluids 104 and 108. In one such embodiment, fluid 104 may bea polar fluid, and fluid 108 is a nonpolar fluid. In another suchembodiment, fluid 104 may be a nonpolar fluid, and fluid 108 is a polarfluid.

In another such embodiment, third material 116 is an amphipathicmaterial (e.g., a material having a polar region and a nonpolar region).In one such embodiment, fluid 104 may be a polar fluid, and fluid 108 isa nonpolar fluid. In another such embodiment, fluid 104 may be anonpolar fluid, and fluid 108 is a polar fluid. In such embodiments,third material 116 may form a layer or membrane with polar and nonpolarregions of the amphipathic material oriented based on the attraction ofthose regions to the polarity of fluids 104 and 108.

In some embodiments, third material 116 accentuates the peripheralboundaries of the bubble 112 to provide improved visibility of thebubble 112 within the vial 100, and improved readability of the positionof the bubble 112 relative to a pair of indicator lines 120 of the vial100. In one embodiment, the first fluid 104, the second fluid 108, andthe third material 116 may be oil, water, and dish soap, respectively.In one embodiment, when the third material 116 becomes separated fromthe surface of the bubble 112 (e.g., by dropping the level, shaking,agitation, etc.), the third material 116 is configured to return to thesurface of the bubble 112 in less than about 3 seconds, in anotherembodiment, in less than about 2 seconds, in another embodiment, in lessthan about 1 second, in another embodiment, in less than about 0.5seconds. In a specific embodiment, when the third material 116 becomesseparated from interface 114 via a drop to the ground from a horizontalposition four feet above the ground, the third material 116 (e.g., atleast 90% of third material 116) returns back to interface 114 in lessthan 3 seconds, specifically in less than 2 seconds, more specifically,in less than 1 second, and even more specifically in less than 0.5seconds.

In one embodiment, third material 116 has a property that is differentthan a property of fluids 104 and 108 which accentuates, highlights orotherwise improves visibility of interface 114. In one embodiment, thirdmaterial 116 has an optical property that is different than the sameoptical property of fluid 104 and/or of fluid 108. In such exemplaryembodiments, third material 116 has a light transmittance, a lightemittance, or index of refraction, that is different from the lighttransmittance, light emittance, or index of refraction, respectively, offluid 104 and/or of fluid 108. In a specific embodiment, third material116 has a light transmittance at a wavelength of between 390 nm to 700nm that is greater than a light transmittance at the wavelength of thefirst fluid 104 and/or of second fluid 108.

In other embodiments, vial 100 may include first fluid 104 that is afirst liquid and second fluid 108 that is a second liquid. In some suchembodiments, vial 100 may not include third material 116, and visibilityis enhanced simply by the nature of interface 114 formed between the twoliquid materials of fluids 104 and 108. In such embodiments, bubble 112is bubble of the liquid material of fluid 108 that separates from theliquid of fluid 104. In some such embodiments, the liquid of secondfluid 108 may be less dense that fluid 104, may be more polar than fluid104, less polar than fluid 104 and/or may be an amphipathic material. Inone specific embodiment, fluid 108 may be an amphipathic material thatarranges itself into a micelle arrangement within fluid 104.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate a flat vial 200 including a transparent elongatedblock 202. The block 202 has a bottom side 204, a top side 206 and apair of vertical sides 208. The block 202 defines a T-shaped interiorcavity 210, as shown in FIG. 3. In addition, the cavity 210 is filledwith a first fluid 220 and an air bubble 224, or immiscible secondfluid, to act as an inclination indicator. The T-shaped interior cavity210 has a first, vertical portion 212 parallel with the vertical sides208, and a second, horizontal portion 216 parallel with the top side206. With reference to FIG. 2, the second portion 216 has a width W2that is significantly wider than a width W1 of the first portion 212. Inaddition, with reference to FIG. 3, the second portion 216 has a heightH2 significantly less than a height H1 of the first portion 212 (e.g.,the height H2 of the second portion 216 may be less than 1/16th of aninch, i.e., less than approximately 1.5 mm). Thus, the visibility of thesecond portion 216 is minimized when viewing the bubble 224 from eitherof the vertical sides 208. In some embodiments, the third material 116of the vial 100 of FIG. 1 may be used to provide further visibility ofthe bubble 224, as described above with respect to vial 100 of FIG. 1.The first portion 212 and the second portion 216 both have a concave orbarrel shape so that the bubble 224 settles toward the center of thesecond portion 216 when the flat vial 200 is horizontal.

In use, the vial 200 of FIGS. 2-4 provides enhanced visibility byforcing the bubble 224 to appear larger in the views where it typicallyappears small. For example, from either of the vertical sides 208 (FIG.4) the bubble 224 is seen extending horizontally across the firstportion 212 of the cavity 210 providing for increased visibility of thebubble 224. When viewing the vial 200 from the top side 206 (FIG. 2) aportion of the bubble may be located in the second portion 216 such thatthe bubble 224 may be seen extending across the second portion 216 ofthe cavity 210, which may provide for increased visibility of the bubble224 based on the greater dimension of the width W2 of the second portion216 compared to that of the width W1 of the first portion 212 (i.e.,compared to a flat vial without a second portion 216). Thus, the secondportion 216 provides improved visibility of the bubble 224 andreadability of the position of the bubble 224 relative to a pair ofindicator lines 228, when viewing the bubble 224 from the top side 206,as shown in FIG. 2. Without the second portion 216 the bubble 224 wouldbe as thin as the width W1 of the first portion 212. Thus, the bubble224 would be difficult to see and read when viewing from the top side206.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate an annular vial 300 including a disc-shaped body304. The body 304 defines an annular interior cavity 306 with a varyingcross-sectional area. The interior cavity 306 contains a first fluid 308and air 310, or alternatively a second fluid being immiscible with thefirst fluid 308. The interior cavity 306 has a first portion 312 and asecond portion 316 opposite the first portion 312. The first portion 312has a first width A1 defining a first cross-sectional area and thesecond portion 316 has a second width A2 defining a secondcross-sectional area. The first width A1 is wider than the second widthA2. Due to the depth (i.e., dimension perpendicular to FIG. 5) of thecavity 306 being uniform and to the first cross-sectional area beinggreater than the second cross-sectional area, the first portion 312 hasa larger volume than the second portion 316.

Due to the difference in volume between the first portion 312 and thesecond portion 316, tilting the annular vial 300 from a first position,shown in FIG. 6, to a second position, shown in FIG. 7, displaces thefluid 308 from the first portion 312 to the second portion 316 causing asmall change in the amount of fluid 308 that occupies the first portion312 (as a function of the total amount of fluid in the first portion312) while causing a large change in the amount of fluid 308 thatoccupies the second portion 316 (as a function of the total amount offluid in the second portion 316), as shown in FIG. 7. In other words, asmall change in the height or fluid level (i.e., area where the firstfluid 308 and the air 310 are in contact) of the fluid 308 in the firstportion 312 causes a large change in height of the fluid 308 in thesecond portion 316. Thus, small angular changes of the annular vial 300have increased perceptibility and readability due to the large change inthe height of the fluid in the second portion 316 of the cavity 306. Assuch, a surface can be more accurately measured for level or plumb usingthe annular vial 300. In some embodiments the depth (i.e., dimensionperpendicular to FIG. 5) of the cavity may be larger in the firstportion 312 than in the second portion 316 to provide an even largerdifference in volume between the first portion 312 and the secondportion 316 and cause a larger change in height of the fluid 308 in thesecond portion 316.

The annular vial 300 may include indicator marks 315 positionedcircumferentially around the annular vial 300 that are calibrated withthe amount of the fluid 308 within the cavity 306 to indicate when thevial 300 is level (i.e., horizontal). Alternatively, the indicator marks315 may be located around the vial 300 on vial surrounds or a levelsupporting the vial 300. Additionally, because of the continuous annularcavity 306 the annular vial 300 may be used as both a level vial and aplumb vial to determine horizontal or vertical without the need toreorient the vial or use a separate vial.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate a vial 400 including a body 404 defining aninterior cavity 408. The interior cavity 408 has a first portion 410that contains a first fluid 412 and a second portion 414 that containsair 416, or alternatively an immiscible second fluid, when the vial 400is horizontal, as shown in FIG. 8. The first fluid 412 defines a fluidlevel 420. The vial 400 further includes a reference line 422 toindicate that the vial 400 is horizontal when the fluid level 420 isaligned or parallel with the reference line 422, as shown in FIG. 8. Thevial further includes a plurality of spaced obstructions 424 that definea plurality of narrow channels 428 between the obstructions 424. Thenarrow channels 428 fluidly connect the first portion 410 and the secondportion 414 of the cavity 408. The obstructions 424 reduce thecross-sectional area, and thus volume, between the first portion 410 andthe second portion 414 to that of the narrow channels 428. Thus, as thevial 400 is tilted the first fluid 412 moves upwardly through the narrowchannels 428 such that a height H3 between the fluid level 420 and thereference line 422 is increased, as shown in FIG. 9. Due to the narrowchannels 428 the visibility of the fluid level 420 and readability ofthe vial 400 is increased. As such, a user can more readily andaccurately determine if the fluid level 420 is aligned with thereference line 422, and therefore more accurately determine if ameasured surface is level or plumb.

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate a vial 500 for a level tool 10 of FIG. 12. Thevial 500 includes a transparent/translucent cylindrical body 502 havinga cavity or an inner bore 504 defined by an inner surface 506 andincludes a solid indicator 508 located within bore 504. In thisembodiment, solid indicator 508 replaces the air bubble common tostandard spirit level tools and is configured to move within bore 504based on the angular position or inclination of level 10.

To provide inclination indication, solid indicator includes a firstsurface 524 located at a first end of solid indicator 508 and a secondsurface 526 located at a second end of solid indicator 508 that isopposite of first surface 524. As shown in FIG. 11, when the level bodyor the reference surface (see reference surface 22 in FIG. 12) isoriented in the horizontal direction, surfaces 524 and 526 areorientated in a direction perpendicular to the reference surface (i.e.,vertically when reference surface is horizontal). In some embodiments,surfaces 524 and 526 are mirror images of each other, and in theparticular embodiment shown, surfaces 524 and 526 are planar surfacesthat are substantially parallel to each other (e.g., at an angle of lessthan 10 degrees relative to each other, specifically less than 1 degreerelative to each other, etc.). In other embodiments, surfaces 524 and526 may be non-planar surfaces (e.g., curved surfaces) and in suchembodiments, the orientation of surfaces 524 and 526 relative to thereference surface 22 of level 10 noted above relates to orientation of amajor or minor axis of the curved surfaces 524 and 526.

In general, visibility of inclination/level indication provided by vial500 is enhanced by use of indicator 508 because Applicant believes thatthe visibility of surfaces 524 and 526 relative to indicator lines 530and 532 is enhanced (at least as compared to some typical bubble/spiritvial designs). As shown in FIG. 10, indicator lines 530 and 532 aresubstantially parallel lines, and when vial 500 is indicating a highdegree of levelness, indicator 508 is generally located between lines530 and 532 such that surfaces 524 and 526 are positioned adjacent to oraligned with lines 530 and 532, respectively. This allows the user seethat levelness is indicated by vial 500 by viewing the position ofsurfaces 524 and 526 relative to the position of indicator lines 530 and532.

In specific embodiments, a length, L1, is defined between lines 530 and532, and indicator 508 has a length, L2, defined between surfaces 524and 526. As can be seen by FIG. 10, the alignment between surfaces 524and 526 and lines 530 and 532 in the level position are based on therelative size of L2 to L1. In specific embodiments, L2 is between 75%and 125% of L1, specifically between 90% and 110% of L1 and morespecifically between 99% and 101% of L1. In a specific embodiment, thehorizontal distance between surfaces 524 and 526 and lines 530 and 532,respectively when in the horizontal position, is less than 2 mm.

In various embodiments, vial 500 is configured to contain a liquid, gasor vacuum within bore 504 surrounding indicator 508. In one embodiment,vial 500 is configured to hold a fluid (e.g., alcohol, mineral spirits,etc.), and solid “bubble” or indicator 508 suspended in the fluid. Thesolid indicator 508 includes a rolling element, shown as sphere 512 anda cuboid 516. In this embodiment, the cuboid 516 defines the pair ofopposite end faces 524, 526 and four longitudinal faces 528 extendingbetween the end faces 524, 526. Each of the longitudinal faces 528defines a circular window 534. The sphere 512 is formed from a densematerial (e.g., metal, hard plastic, etc.) and is preferably solid, withsome embodiments employing a hollow sphere if desired.

As shown in FIG. 11, the sphere 512 is positioned within the cuboid 516such that the sphere 512 protrudes partially out of the circular windows534. The sphere 512 rotates freely within the cuboid 516 such that thesphere 512 can roll along an inner surface of the bore 504, therebyallowing the indicator 508 to move axially within the cylindrical body502 of the vial 500. As the vial 500 is tilted with respect to the axisbeing measured the indicator 508 moves toward the lower end of the vial500. The inner surface of the bore 504 has a concave or barrel shapethat allows for the indicator 508 to settle toward the center of thebore 504 when the vial 500 is parallel to the axis being measured. Inuse, similar to levels that use air bubbles, a surface is indicated aslevel or plumb, when the indicator 508 falls between a pair of indicatormarks or lines on the body 502. The end faces 524 are parallel with theindicator lines on the cylindrical body 502 of the vial 500. Thus, thedistance between the end faces 524 and the corresponding indicator linemay be easily determined, increasing readability in comparison to asphere 512 or bubble. In addition, the color of the cuboid 520 and thematerial used to manufacture the cuboid 520 can be selected to assurethat the cuboid 520 stands out and is easily visible in common ordesired lighting circumstances. Therefore, the cuboid 520 providesincreased visibility and accuracy to the indicator 508 within the vial500.

FIGS. 13-17 illustrate a spirit level 600 including a frame body 604, aninterior support structure or cartridge 608, and a center vial assembly612 having a center vial 616. The frame body 604 is a box level-typeframe having a top planar wall 620, a bottom planar wall 624 and a pairof parallel sidewalls 628 (only one is shown) connecting the top planarwall 620 and the bottom planar wall 624 to define an internal cavityrunning along a length of the level 600. A generally U-shaped framecutout 632 is defined by the sidewalls 628 and the top planar wall 620.In alternate embodiments, the level 600 may be an I-beam level, atorpedo level, or any other type of level or device utilizing a spiritvial.

With reference to FIG. 13, the interior support structure 608 defines aninterior support cutout 634. The interior support structure 608 has aplurality of flanges 636 that extend perpendicularly from a central web638. The interior support structure 608 slides within the cavity throughan open end (not shown) of the frame body 604 such that the central web638 is parallel to the sidewalls 628 and is positioned such that theinterior support cutout 634 aligns with the frame cutout 632 in theframe body 604. The flanges 636 include a top flange 640 adjacent thetop planar wall 620 of the frame body 604, and a bottom flange 642adjacent the bottom planar wall 624 of the frame body 604. The interiorsupport structure 608 provides structural support and increasedstiffness to the frame body 604 of the level 600 around the frame cutout632 in the frame body 604. The interior support structure 608 is securedto the frame body 604 by adhesive (e.g., epoxy) injected throughadhesive passageways 652 defined in the interior support structure 608.In addition to or in lieu of adhesive, the interior support structure608 may be secured to the frame body 604 via fasteners or other securingmeans.

With reference to FIGS. 14 and 17, the vial 616 includes a translucentvial body 656 having a cavity 660. The vial body 656 has first andsecond ends 664, 668 and a longitudinal axis A extending therebetween.The cavity 660 is barrel shaped such that the cavity 660 has a maximumdiameter 672 defined at a center of the cavity 660 of the vial 616 alongthe longitudinal axis A. The cavity 660 contains an indicator bubble 676formed of a first fluid and preferably a gas (e.g., air) and a secondfluid preferably a liquid 680 (e.g., alcohol). The bubble 676 issuspended in the liquid 680 such that the bubble 676 is generallycentered on the maximum diameter 672 when the vial is oriented parallelto true horizontal (i.e., perpendicular to gravity). The vial 616includes circumscribed marker rings or indicator lines (similar tomarker rings 756 of FIG. 19) that are equidistant from and parallel tothe maximum diameter 672 and positioned such that when the bubble 676 isbetween the marker rings the bubble 676 is generally centered on themaximum diameter 672, and thus the vial 616 is parallel to truehorizontal. An interface between the bubble 676 and the liquid 680 formsa meniscus 684 defining a discrete perimeter of the bubble 676.

With reference to FIGS. 14-15, the vial assembly 612 further includes anouter vial surround 692 and an inner vial surround 696 for supportingthe vial 616 on the frame body 604 of the level 600. The inner vialsurround 696 has a generally U-shaped body 720 having opposing end vialsupports 724 that define vial support recesses 732 that hold and supportthe first and second ends 664, 668 of the vial 616 (FIG. 14). The body720 defines a bottom opening 728 extending longitudinally between theopposing end vial supports 724. In an alternate embodiment of the innervial surround 696 a, as shown in FIG. 18, the vial support recesses 732a extend through the opposing end vial supports 724 such that the vialsupport recesses 732 a define openings that are continuous with thebottom opening 728 a. The end vial supports 724 a of the body 720 a areprovided with resilient flexibility so that opposing halves 726 of theend vial supports 724 a flex outwardly away from each other when thevial 616 is inserted through the bottom opening 728 a. Once the vial 616is fully inserted, such that first and second ends 664, 668 are receivedby the vial support recesses 732 a, the end vial supports 724 a springback to hold the vial 616 within the inner vial surround 696 a. In someembodiments, the inner vial surround 696 a is translucent.

With reference to FIGS. 14 and 16, the outer vial surround 692 includesa flat base 704, and first and second outer support projections 714, 716extending from opposite ends of the flat base 704. The base 704 includesan upper surface that faces vial 616 (see FIG. 17), and this uppersurface includes a middle portion 708 and a pair of outer portions 712adjacent each side of the middle portion 708. The middle portion 708 isa light color, such as white or another light color. The outer portions712 are a dark color, such as black or another dark color.

The outer vial surround 692 may be made from a two-shot injectionmolding process so that the middle portion 708 is light colored and theouter portions 712 are dark colored. In alternative embodiments, theouter vial surround 692 may be formed from a single colored material andthe middle portion 708 and/or the outer portions 712 are coated orlayered with their respective desired colors. In further alternativeembodiments, the middle portion 708 and the outer portions 712 are madefrom different colored materials in order to obtain the respective lightand dark colors of the middle portion 708 and outer portions 712 andthen are coupled together to form the multicolored outer vial surround692. The middle portion 708 and the outer portions 712 generally dividethe base 704 into thirds longitudinally along the base 704.

With continued reference to FIGS. 14-16, the first outer supportprojection 714 of the outer vial surround 692 defines a vial receivingopening 740 that is sized to slidingly receive the inner vial surround696 axially along the longitudinal axis A of the vial 616 and supportthe inner vial surround 696 and the vial 616 on the base 704 of theouter vial surround 692. The bottom opening 728 of the inner vialsurround 696 is aligned over the base 704 such that the middle portion708 and the outer portions 712 of the base 704 can be viewed through thevial 616. The middle portion 708 is centered on the bubble 676 and theouter portions 712 are adjacent the first and second ends 664, 668 ofthe vial 616. In some embodiments, the level 600 may not include aninner vial surround 696, instead the vial 616 is supported directly bythe outer vial surround 692.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 17, the center vial surround assembly 612is received within the frame cutout 632 and the interior support cutout634 in the interior support structure 608. The center vial surroundassembly 612 is secured to interior support structure 608 and the framebody 604 using adhesive, such as epoxy. In alternate embodiments, thecenter vial surround assembly 612 may be secured to the frame body 604by fasteners or any other suitable manner of securing the center vialsurround assembly 612 to the frame body 604.

Presence of dark-colored outer portions 712 creates regions adjacentvial 616 with decreased light reflection (resulting in the darker color)as compared to central area 708, to other parts of the level, to thesurrounding environment, etc. Thus, in use, when viewing the vial 616,the relatively low levels of light from the dark-colored outer portions712 of the base 704 of the outer vial surround 692 reflects off andrefracts through the meniscus 684 of the bubble 676 to darken at least aportion of the perimeter of the bubble 676. In particular, opposinglongitudinal end portions 748 of the bubble 676 are darkened byreflected light from the dark-colored outer portions 712 of the base 704(similar to FIG. 19). Thus, the alternating dark and light coloredsections of the upper surface of outer vial surround 692 provideimproved visibility of the position of the meniscus 684 of the bubble676 within the vial 616; and specifically, improved visibility of theend portions 748 of the bubble 676 relative to the correspondingadjacent marker rings.

In addition, the light-colored middle portion 708 of the base 704provides a light-colored background for the darkened end portions 748 ofthe bubble 676 to contrast against, further improving visibility of thebubble 676. In particular, the light-colored middle portion 708 providesimproved contrast and visibility when the viewer views the vial 616 froma position directly above the level 600 so that the light-colored middleportion 708 of the base 704 is positioned beneath the bubble 676 suchthat the darkened end portions 748 contrasts with the light-coloredmiddle portion 708 to improve visibility of the bubble 676. In addition,corresponding interfaces where the light-colored middle portion 708meets the dark-colored outer portions 712 may be aligned with the markerrings on the vial 616 so as to provide improved delineation and contrastto more easily determine if the bubble 676 is centered within the vial616. Accordingly, the viewer can more accurately determine if the bubble676 is positioned centrally within the vial 616 between the marker rings(i.e., the vial is oriented parallel to true horizontal). In someembodiments, the entire perimeter of the bubble 676 may be darkened forimproved contrast and visibility.

In addition, central portion 708 may be sized such that the transitionsbetween the light colored central portion 708 and the dark colored outerportions 712 are positioned near the ends of the indicating bubble 676.As noted, this positioning provides for high contrast along ends 748 ofbubble 676. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, bubble 676 has a length,L3, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the level bodyand of the reference surface that is between 75% and 125% of the lengthof central portion 708, L4, in the same direction

In specific embodiments, the different darkness levels of outer sections712 and central section 708 is relatively large and can be expressed interms of the Munsell color system. In specific embodiments, the lightercolor of central section 708 has a Munsell color value greater than theMunsell color value of the darker outer sections 712. In a specificembodiment, the lighter color of central section 708 has a Munsell colorvalue of greater than or equal to 8, and the Munsell color value of thedarker outer sections 712 is less than 3.

FIG. 19 illustrates another vial 616 b that, with the exception of someminor distinctions, is substantially similar to the vial 616 of FIGS.13-17 and may be used in its place with the level 600. Like componentsand features are identified with like reference numerals plus the letter“b” and will not be described again in detail. Only differences betweenthe two vials will be described in detail.

The vial 616 b includes circumscribed marker rings or indicator lines756 that are equidistant from and parallel to the maximum diameter 672 band positioned such that when the bubble 676 b is between the markerrings 756 the bubble 676 b is generally centered on the maximum diameter672 b, and thus the vial 616 is parallel to true horizontal. The vial616 b further includes first and second dark-colored bands 760, 764circumscribing the cavity 660 b of the vial 616 b. The firstdark-colored band 760 is positioned between the maximum diameter 672 band the first end 664 b of the vial 616 b. The second dark-colored band764 is positioned between the maximum diameter 672 b and the second end668 b of the vial 616 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the dark-coloredbands 760, 764 are black, but may be any dark color, and may be opaqueor translucent. The portion of the vial body 656 between the first andsecond dark-colored bands 760, 764 is unobstructed and translucent so asto clearly see the bubble 676 b through the vial body 656. When viewingthe vial 616 b, the dark-colored bands 760, 764 function similarly tothe dark-colored outer portions 712 of the base 704 to reflect light soas to reflect off or refract through the meniscus 684 b of the bubble676 b to darken at least a portion of the perimeter of the bubble 676 b,thereby further improving contrast between the meniscus 684 b and theliquid 680 b. In particular, the end portions 748 b of the bubble 676 bare darkened by reflected light from the dark-colored outer portions712. The vial 616 b including the dark-colored bands 760, 764 may beused alone or in conjunction with the dark-colored outer portions 712 ofthe base 704 of the outer vial surround 692. In some embodiments, eachof the dark-colored bands 760, 764 are arranged to directly align abovea corresponding one of the dark-colored outer portions 712 of the base704 so as to further enhance the darkness of the darkened portion of thebubble 676 b to provide improved contrast between the darkened portionof the bubble 676 b, and the liquid 680 and/or the light-colored middleportion 708.

FIG. 20 illustrates another level 600 c that, with the exception of someminor distinctions, is substantially similar to the level 600 of FIGS.13-17. Like components and features are identified with like referencenumerals plus the letter “c” and will not be described again in detail.Only differences between the two embodiments will be described indetail.

The interior support structure 608 c further defines a bore 772extending from the interior support cutout 634 c toward the bottomplanar wall 624 c into a cavity 776 sized to receive a standoff member780. The bore 772 is threaded so as to receive a threaded fastener (notshown). In addition, the outer vial surround 692 c includes projections784 extending downward from the base 704 c that are received within theadhesive passageways 652 c.

During assembly of the level 600 c, the threaded fastener is threadedinto the bore 772 so as to apply a downward force F1 on the standoffmember 780, thereby urging the standoff member 780 into contact with thebottom planar wall 624 c. Continuing to thread the threaded fastenerthrough the bore 772 causes the standoff member 780 to apply a downwardforce F2 on the bottom planar wall 624 c, thereby driving the interiorsupport structure 608 c upward into contact with the top planar wall 620c to apply an upward force F3 on the top planar wall 620 c. The downwardforce F2 applied on the bottom planar wall 624 c by the standoff member780 and the upward force F3 applied on the top planar wall 620 csecurely clamps the interior support structure 608 c within the framebody 604 c of the level 600 c. Adhesive may then be injected through theadhesive passageways 652 c to permanently secure the interior supportstructure 608 c to the frame body 604 c. The center vial assembly 612 cmay then be inserted into the interior support cutout 634 c, such thatthe projections 784 are received within the adhesive passageways 652 cso as to secure the center vial assembly 612 c in place on the level 600c via the adhesive.

In some embodiments, a light source (e.g., an LED) is positionedadjacent each of the first and second ends 664, 668 of the vial 616 (orthe vials 616 b, 616 c of FIGS. 19 and 20) to provide illuminationwithin the vial 616. The light sources emit light that reflects off thedark-colored outer portions 712 of the outer vial surround 692 (or thedark-colored bands 760, 764 of FIG. 19), and then either reflects off,or refracts through, the meniscus 684 of the bubble 676 to furtherincrease the darkness of the meniscus 684 to provide improved contrastand visibility of the bubble within the vial 616.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the inventionas described. For example, features of each of the vials 100, 200, 300,400, 500, 616 b, and vial assembly 612 may be combined in any viablecombination to obtain a vial or vial assembly with any combination ofthe various features, as described above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A level comprising: a level body defining aplanar base surface configured to engage a workpiece; a vial supportedby the level body and including an inner surface defining a cavity; afirst material located within the cavity of the vial, wherein the firstmaterial is a liquid material; a second material located within thecavity of the vial, the second material forms an indicator within thefirst material such that an interface is defined between the first andsecond materials; and a third material located within the cavity of thevial, the third material having a property that attracts the thirdmaterial to the interface between the first material and the secondmaterial.
 2. The level of claim 1, wherein the second material is air,and the property of the third material is a density, wherein the densityof the third material is less than a density of the first material suchthat the third material floats on the first material and is locatedbetween the first material and the second material.
 3. The level ofclaim 1, wherein the property of the third material is polarity, whereinthe first material is a polar material and the third material isnonpolar material or the first material is a nonpolar material and thethird material is polar material.
 4. The level of claim 1, wherein thethird material is an amphipathic material.
 5. The level of claim 4,wherein the first material is a nonpolar liquid and the second materiala polar liquid or the first material is a polar liquid and the secondmaterial a nonpolar liquid.
 6. The level of claim 1, wherein thirdmaterial has an optical property that is different from an opticalproperty of the first material and from an optical property of thesecond material.
 7. The level of claim 6, wherein the third material hasa light transmittance at a wavelength of between 390 nm to 700 nm thatis greater than a light transmittance at the wavelength of the firstmaterial.
 8. The level of claim 1, wherein the third material returnsback to the interface between the first and second materials in lessthan 3 seconds when the level is dropped from a horizontal position tothe ground from a height of four feet.
 9. The level of claim 1, furthercomprising a vial surround mounted to the level body and engaging thevial such that the vial is supported in the level body via the vialsurround, wherein the vial surround has a surface facing the vial, thesurface comprising a central portion facing a central portion of thevial, a first end portion facing a first end of the vial and a secondend portion facing a second end of the vial opposite the first end,wherein central portion of the vial surround surface has a first color,the first end portion of the vial surround surface has a second color,and the second end portion of the vial surround surface has a thirdcolor, wherein the first color has a Munsell color value greater thanMunsell color values of both the second color and the third color. 10.The level of claim 9, wherein the indicator includes a first length in adirection parallel to a longitudinal axis of the planar base surface,wherein the central portion of the vial surround surface includes asecond length measured in a direction parallel to the first length,wherein the second length is between 75% and 125% of the first length.11. A level comprising: a level body defining a reference surfaceconfigured to engage a workpiece; a vial supported by the level body andincluding an inner surface defining a cavity; and a solid indicatorlocated within the cavity, the solid indicator comprising: a firstsurface located at a first end of the solid indicator; and a secondsurface located at a second end of the solid indicator opposite thefirst surface; wherein the solid indicator moves within the vial inresponse to changing angular positions of the level body, wherein thesolid indicator is shaped such that the first surface and the secondsurface are oriented in a direction perpendicular to the referencesurface is oriented in a horizontal direction.
 12. The level of claim11, wherein the first and second surfaces are planar surfaces that aresubstantially parallel to each other.
 13. The level of claim 12, furthercomprising: a pair of opposed parallel indicator lines located on thevial; a first length measured between and perpendicular to the pair ofindicator lines; and a second length measured between and perpendicularto the first and second surfaces of the solid indicator; wherein thesecond length is between 75% and 125% of the first length.
 14. The levelof claim 11, further comprising: a first indicator line located on thevial; a second indicator line located on the level body spaced from thefirst indicator line; wherein the first surface is substantially alignedwith the first indicator line when the reference surface is oriented inthe horizontal direction; and wherein the second surface issubstantially aligned with the second indicator line when the referencesurface is oriented in the horizontal direction.
 15. The level of claim14, wherein a horizontal distance between the first surface and thefirst indicator line is less than 2 mm and a horizontal distance betweenthe second surface and the second indicator line is less than 2 mm whenthe reference surface is oriented in the horizontal direction.
 16. Thelevel of claim 11, wherein the solid indicator includes at least onerolling element that supports the solid indicator and that engages theinner surface of the vial such that the solid indicator translatesrelative to the vial via rolling of the rolling element along the innersurface of the vial.
 17. The level of claim 16, wherein the rollingelement is spherically shaped, and the solid indicator includes a cavitythat receives the rolling element and openings that allow portions ofthe spherical rolling element to project out from the solid indicator toengage the inner surface of the vial, wherein the spherical rollingelement rotates relative to the solid indicator within the cavity whenthe rolling element rolls along the inner surface of the vial.
 18. Thelevel of claim 11, wherein at least one of a liquid, a gas or vacuumsurrounds the solid indicator within the vial.
 19. A level comprising: alevel body defining a reference surface configured to engage aworkpiece; a vial supported by the level body and including an innersurface defining a cavity; a first liquid material located within thecavity of the vial; and a second liquid material located within thecavity of the vial, the second material immiscible in the first materialsuch that an indicating bubble is formed by the second material withinthe first material.
 20. The level of claim 19, wherein the second liquidis at least one of less dense than the first material, less polar thanthe first material, more polar than the first material and anamphipathic material.
 21. The level of claim 19, further comprising athird material located within the cavity of the vial, the third materialhaving a property that attracts the third material to an interfacebetween the first material and the second material.